by Jillian Ryan (12 years old)
Everyone loves to see kids smile, even teens love to experience the joy of others. That's exactly what I went out to accomplish this Saturday with my mom, her friends, my friend and even the real Patch Adams. I've had the opportunity to meet and work with a very experienced "cheerer upper".
This half blue haired, clown-like, kind, generous man is ready to take on any obstacle to help sick kids, lonely elders, orphans even juvenile delinquents any time.
He's already been there and back from many places including Haiti. Not only did he have many struggles to overcome with the lack of food, water, and supplies but he changed lives while he was there, by helping people be happy when they are living off nothing and they have nothing. These are the times we really realize how lucky we are to have what we do have. Yeah I understand the economy is going down and hundreds of people are jobless and homeless. But the ones that do have paying jobs and all the people that do have a house, don't complain about what you don't have.
Be thankful for everything you do have, a family, a roof over your head, food and water. There are so many countries out there that do not have any of those things. Some countries you can't even go for a walk without feeling unsafe. They don't even have the right to be free. Yep, I know what your thinking. I'm just a kid. I don't know what's going on in the world, but don't be too sure. I may be young, but I am not stupid ;)
In the end, what I learned from this experience is to be grateful for what you have. Be grateful and thankful that you are not sick in the hospital. That you are not dying of disease, or suffering from a horrible natural disaster. And every time you have the opportunity to help brighten up someone else's day, even when you aren't having the best day ever, I guarantee yours will brighten up just a little after giving the gift of joy to someone else in need of some laughter.
Sincerely,
Jillian Ryan
